Alliance Homes Inc. officials have double-checked the latest plans for a 16,000 square foot medical centre on its property in the eastern part of Port Dover.

Dover Coast Homes Manager John Lennox assured The Maple Leaf the final layout meets all their requirements.

The Maple Leaf reported on January 14 that the developer was going forward to develop plans for a medical centre that it intended to build on its lands in the eastern part of Port Dover. It was reported at that time the company was considering a 12,000 square foot structure.

John Lennox reported to The Maple Leaf this week the company is planning to hold a public Open House this fall for citizens of the Port Dover area to view plans of the new medical centre. Consultants will be present to explain all aspects of the plan and to answer questions people may have. The Open House will be held in the meeting room at David’s fine dining building on New Lakeshore Road. A notice will be published in The Maple Leaf inviting citizens to attend.

Manager Lennox assured The Maple Leaf, “soil tests are ongoing right now” for the building. Detailed architect’s plans on his desk show the building will be all on one level with suites for six medical doctors, plus a pharmacy, medical lab, radiology facility and accommodation for other allied services. Additional doctor suites could be included as required.

The plan was designed by Quartek Group Inc. of Port Colborne. Mr. Lennox noted that company is the premier design group for medical centres in Ontario. Pointing to various attributes of the planned structure he commented, “this is the latest design, it was completed in August of this year.” He then stated, “we are fairly confident this is the way it should look,” when the Port Dover medical centre building is completed.

John Lennox told The Maple Leaf, “construction will probably begin in the spring of 2010.”

Alliance says it has all the necessary approvals from Norfolk County to proceed. The medical centre will be located in the 10-acre commercial sector of its Dover Coast subdivision. The company has approvals from Ontario Ministry of Transport for an entrance off Highway 6.

Mr. Lennox said that Dr. Harold Hynscht of Port Dover has been giving advice “from a local doctor’s point of view,” Mr. Lennox said, adding “that has been very helpful.”

In a separate interview several weeks ago Dr. Hynscht noted there is just a little over two years remaining before Norfolk County wants the existing medical centre building on St. George Street for the new Port Dover Public Library. He has been assisting in recruitment of additional doctors to locate in Port Dover. - Wednesday, October 28, 2009